Do You Need a Backup Generator if You Have Solar Panels?

Solar panels present an unbeatable solution for sustainable energy, generating usable power from readily available UV rays. In fact, the number of residential solar installations has skyrocketed in the last ten years. Although some people assume that installing solar panels will allow for unlimited energy regardless of the utility grid’s status or the weather, that isn’t always the case. If you’re wondering, “Do my solar panels need a backup generator?” the answer might be yes. 

Several factors will determine your need for a backup energy source, including the reliability of your local energy grid and how heavily you plan to rely on your solar panels. Join us as we discuss the advantages of installing a backup generator for your solar panels and how a solar battery can help you keep the lights on during a blackout. 

How Solar Power Works

Photovoltaic panels – or solar panels – use a specialized semiconductor material to absorb UV radiation as direct-current energy. This power then travels through an inverter that converts it into alternating-current electricity, which runs appliances and devices in your home. 

On sunny days, your panels will provide your home with clean, renewable energy while the sun is shining, but they stop generating electricity at night. A backup battery can store excess power you don’t use right away, allowing you to access that green energy at night, during blackouts, and when the weather is cloudy. 

What Happens During Power Outages?

Can solar panels provide power during a blackout without a generator? The answer to this question depends on several factors. 

Most residential solar panel arrays are connected to the grid and serve to reduce monthly electrical bills and contribute to green energy production via net metering programs and similar arrangements. Since they’re interconnected with the utility company’s infrastructure, they will automatically shut down when the grid experiences disturbances. This failsafe is in place to protect line workers and other employees from electrical shock, which could occur if a third-party solar producer is active while repairs are underway. 

Solar panels with a battery backup system can keep your lights on for a while as your utility provider works to restore power. 

Off-grid solar panel arrays typically include robust battery systems to hold a sizable amount of energy, but these setups may be more elaborate than the average home needs. After all, the US electrical grid is highly reliable most of the time, but we know that blackouts and large-scale power outages do occur. Additionally, the infrastructure is beginning to age, increasing the potential for significant problems in the future. As climate change continues to advance, we may see more frequent severe weather events that cause regional power outages in the coming years.

How Solar Panels Keep You Powered During Outages

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The Role of Backup Generators for Solar Panels

A backup generator is a device that powers appliances and devices when you can’t access electricity from solar panels or the utility grid. While some companies are developing generators that run on renewable energy sources, the vast majority of models on the market today require fossil fuels to operate. 

Here’s a look at the two primary types of generators you can use to supplement the energy created by solar panels: 

Portable Generators

Portable generators are incredibly popular due to their low price point. You can probably find a standard model at your local hardware store for less than $500. They run on gasoline or propane and require a fuel stabilizer, as well. You’ll need a reliable fuel supply, as these devices can burn through 20 gallons of gas per day. Despite substantial fuel consumption, they may only be able to power one or two appliances at a time, so be prepared to shuffle between extension cords every few hours during a blackout. 

It’s essential to operate these generators outside in a well-ventilated area, as they produce large amounts of carbon monoxide. They can also be particularly noisy and disruptive. 

Whole-House Standby Generators

Whole-house generators are considered the ultimate backup generator solution. They kick on automatically when the grid shuts down and can often power the entire house with adequate fuel. Most standby generators are about the size of a standard air-conditioning unit and run on liquid propane or natural gas. They’re quiet and don’t require the same attention as a portable model. 

These conveniences come with a hefty price tag, with the average whole-house generator costing between $5,000 and $10,000. They typically require professional installation since they connect to your home’s electrical panel. 

Advantages of Backup Generator for Solar Panels

As long as you have access to plenty of fuel, your backup generator can keep your appliances running indefinitely – even when your solar panels aren’t producing energy, offering protection against long grid downtimes. During emergencies and severe weather events, such as hurricanes and winter storms, a generator can be your lifeline to lights, hot water, climate control systems, and essential medical equipment. 

Alternatives to Backup Generators for Solar Systems

If you have solar panels, do you really need a backup generator, too? Not always. In fact, a moderate battery storage system may provide all the surplus energy you need. 

Solar panels with battery backup are increasingly popular among homeowners and businesses. These batteries store the clean energy generated by your solar panels, so it’s available at night or when the grid goes down. That being said, the average residential solar battery only stores enough electricity to power appliances and devices for two to three days without recharging. Once you’ve used your available energy reserves, you’ll need another solution to keep your home up and running. 

Factors to Consider Before Installing a Backup Generator for Solar Panels

Still wondering if you need a backup generator for your solar panels? Here are a few things to keep in mind as you weigh your options: 

Costs

Your budget will make a major impact on the type of backup energy source you choose to supplement your solar panels and grid connection. A whole-house generator may be a good choice for people with more available cash and a higher likelihood of power outages. Many people find that a portable generator can help in a pinch without the excessive up-front expenses, but fuel costs can add up quickly during an extended blackout. 

A solar battery might be the perfect solution for homeowners who simply want to increase their energy independence and store enough power to last for a couple of days. 

Energy Needs

Small, energy-efficient homes can operate for longer on battery backup power alone. Use the following calculation to determine how much solar battery storage you’ll need for the number of days you want guaranteed energy autonomy: 

# kWh per day ⨉ # days = # kWh of storage required

Remember that any generator will require a consistent fuel supply to keep the lights on. Households with greater energy needs may benefit from installing both a backup battery and generator to stay up and running for extended periods. 

Location-Based Concerns

Some locations experience more frequent or longer-lasting power outages than others. For instance, people in hurricane-prone areas and regions with excessive demand on the grid’s infrastructure may encounter more regular blackouts than those in other parts of the country. 

Of course, it’s also important to expect the unexpected. Natural disasters, severe weather events, and grid disruptions can happen anywhere at any time. If you have concerns about potential power outages, an inexpensive, portable generator – in addition to your solar panels with battery backup – could offer peace of mind. 

Is a Backup Generator Worth It for Your Solar Setup?

Backup generators provide an extra layer of protection against blackouts and grid disruptions, even for homeowners with solar panels and backup batteries. While solar batteries are sufficient for most households, some homeowners prefer the added security of a generator.Solar Energy World is here to help you make an informed decision based on your energy needs. We design and install solar panels with battery backup to ensure the lights stay on when the grid goes down. Get started today with a free solar estimate!